North Dakota Oil Rig Fire Injures Two Workers

Two drilling rig employees were recently injured in a fire that’s under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The accident occurred around 5:30pm on July 2 at a Continental Resources site between Keene and New Town.

According to an article in the Bismarck Tribune, the employees suffered burns to their hands and were treated at a local hospital and later released. The fire began after gas entered an open tank for drilling and then ignited. Fire crews from both Keene and New Town were able to use foam to extinguish the fire.

In addition to OSHA, the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division is also investigating the accident, characterizing it as a rig explosion.

Common oil rig injuries

Although this incident appeared to be contained, and the two employees escaped with only minor injuries, working on a rig poses many dangers. The oil industry is a major part of the North Dakota economy, but the hazards of working in the oil fields are significant. Following are four common injuries often suffered by our oil workers:

• Burns. Fires and explosions come without warning on oil rigs and fields. Burns can be life-changing injuries, especially third- and fourth-degree burns. Serious burns like these can cause scarring, chronic pain, and impaired mobility. They can require months of healing time, and some burn victims may never be able to return to work again, leaving a worker without a paycheck.
• Chemical and toxic exposure. The oil drilling process can release toxic chemicals into the immediate work area. When breathed in, chemicals like hydrofluoric acid can scar the lungs and even cause death by asphyxiation. Prolonged exposure to other chemicals and gases can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, fatigues, chemical burns, eye irritation, and even some types of cancer.
• Amputations. Accidental amputations and hand disfigurement can occur when safety gloves get caught in machinery and pull the hand inside the equipment. Falls from unstable decking, vehicle accidents, or malfunctioning equipment can also cause severe injuries requiring amputations.
• Head or brain injuries. Working on elevated platforms increases the risk of falling from heights and suffering a head injury. Oil field workers are also at risk of being hit with large pieces of equipment. Concussions, skull fractures, severe facial lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries can take a worker off the job for weeks, months, or permanently.

Oil companies must ensure that their workplace is safe for their employees. They must enforce proper supervision, training policies, and ensure all equipment is properly maintained.

If you were injured working on a North Dakota oilfield, the lawyers at Larson Law can help. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and disability. We will fight for your rights as a worker. To schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney, call our Minot office at 701-484-4878, or fill out our contact form.